U.S. Wins Gold at World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships

The U.S. Deaf National Team recently won the gold medal in the World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships. The U.S. team competed against teams from Finland, Canada, the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan during the games in Amherst, NY. Three players from Illinois were rostered to the team. Max Finley, Peoria, scored two goals and tallied two assists during his third international competition. Competing in this second international competition, Derek Struwing of Bartlett posted two assists during the gold medal game versus Canada. Newcomer Ryne Krueger, Barrington, scored a goal in the round robin game versus Kazakhstan. The team was coached by Joe Gotfryd, Brookfield, and Larry Sterzczek, Wheeling. Cheryl Hager, Oak Lawn, served as the team manager. Dr. James Leonard, Western Springs, was the team physician.

The American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association played a key role in sponsoring the games. AHIHA will host its 44th summer camp next month at Seven Bridges Ice Arena. Novice to experienced hockey players from across the United States attend the camp each year. A dedicated group of coaches and volunteers assist players to develop their confidence and self-esteem through the game of hockey. Learn more about AHIHA at www.ahiha.org.